This is a heartbreaking story that I don’t think I was prepared for. Sawyer has battled cancer the last five years. Now she wants to go to college and be normal. Banks is attending the college that his father teaches at. When Banks and his friend Dawson see Sawyer moving in Dawson shows his interest in her. Banks isnt going to let a girl get between them, so he tries to avoid Sawyer. Who happens to be his new neighbor. Despite obstacles they slowly become friends. And the attraction between them grows. But they both have skeletons that they are hiding from each other. This is an emotional heartbreaking story. Be sure to have your tissue ready.

If you are a fan of Nichols Sparks or Hannah Bonam-Young this heartberkaing and beautifully written story of self discovery and love is for you!

HUGE shoutout to NetGalley, B. Celeste and My favorites at Bloom Books for the eARC! It was an absolute honor to read this!

What to Expect:
⭐ Childhood Friends to lovers
⭐ Neighbors to lovers
⭐ Second chance love
⭐ College Romance
⭐ You will need tissues
⭐ Very Walk To Remember Vibes

TW:
⭐ Physical Abuse from a parent
⭐ Cancer + illness
⭐ Discussion of drug use and overdose
⭐ Mental Health struggles

My Thoughts:

WOW.... I am crying as I write this review because this book moved me so deeply. This story is heartbreaking, moving and beautiful all at once. If ONLY we all looked at life as Sawyer.... She is written so beautifully. Who she is personally, the depth of her character and all she carries with her through this story.

This story had me reminiscing on my long love of "A Walk To Remember" and how there is just so much depth in the main characters as well as the secondary. They both share this genuinely deep connection the main characters have and their journeys of falling in love. This has some darkness but you truly see how much light Sawyers character brings to the whole story.

I will say this is a romance but behind that the story is truly about the journey of a young woman finding herself in a new apartment, in a new stage of life, trying to live it all to the MOST! Her journey is heartbreaking and delightful! Her growth and the adventure she takes a long the way is what I hope ALL young women get to enjoy before life gets too serious!


Synopsis:
"When you find things that you love, it's not always easy letting them go, because they become a part of you."

Thirteen years ago, Sawyer Hawkins and her childhood friend Paxton shared secrets and snacks at their favorite wooden footbridge…until Hurricane Katrina forced Sawyer's family to head north. But after the long battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that kept her away, twenty-one-year-old Sawyer is finally heading back to Louisiana for university.

Now with a new lease on life, Sawyer wants to be a normal college girl. Check items off her list—make friends, go to parties, fall in love, and find her favorite bridge again. Even if Paxton is no longer there.

And her mysterious, gorgeous neighbor Banks might just be able to help her with that list.

But as their friendship grows, so do the secrets between them. Sawyer's future is more complicated than she lets on, and there's a reason Banks doesn't talk about his home life. The closer they get to one another, the more their bruised hearts are in danger of falling—or breaking. And when Sawyer learns Banks is Paxton Banks, and Banks realizes she's the same Sawyer from long ago, they'll find that while their footbridge may still be standing, it's up to them to cross the distance to each other.

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebook Bloom Books and B. Celeste for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There was a point I took a break from the book because I knew where it was going and I just didn’t want it to. Tears were shed. A few times.

This book is about grief, cancer, abuse, addiction, friendship and family. There are lots of sweet moments and some ugly ones as well.

Sawyer and Banks had flaws, trauma and insecurities and were doing what they could to get through and involve others in their struggles.

I’m a romance reader so I love a typical HEA but I was satisfied with how this ended although I wouldn’t consider it a traditional romance.

Thank you to B. Celeste, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of Past the Broken Bridges in exchange for my honest review.

Past the Broken Bridges is a love story to life itself. I would not consider it a romance novel, but rather, a love story. A love story to life, to friends, and to those who you might have deeply loved if you had the chance. This is a book where you absolutely must look up trigger warnings as there are several potential triggers that are not always prominent in a "romance" book (again not really a romance but a love story). This is a sad book, let me be clear I was crying at many different points. Throughout the book I was enwrapped in Sawyer's story as she tried to live her life to the fullest while she still could. I could feel Sawyer's joy, her sorrow, her grief, and her frustration. I could also feel Bank's joy, grief, pain, and anger. His desire to change but not wanting to disappoint or let down those he loves. You can see Banks really develop as a person throughout the book as he realizes that he deserves more because he has the ability to continue to live life. This is an outstanding book and I don't want to say to much because I think people should really go in not knowing much. While this book is devastating at points, it really is a love story to life. It's motivational in many ways because it reminded me how fragile life is and that you never know what is going to happen so you need to life you life to the fullest while you can, and live without regrets.

What a beautiful story. I felt so many emotions while reading this book. This is my first read by B. Celeste but now I want to read everything. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

5⭐️ 1🌶️

Heartache? Anxiety? Sitting here, days later, staring into the abyss and pondering the fragility of life? Yes, yes, and yes. Past the Broken Bridges may not be a romance novel but it’s a love story worth reading and a heartache worth crying over. This will be living rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.

I love a second chance romance and this childhood friends to lovers spin was so heartwarming and gut wrenching at the same time. The beautiful tangle of safety, secrets, loss, and hope between Sawyer and Paxton spoke to my soul and I could not get enough.

B. Celeste is a new to me author but this certainly won’t be my last read and I’ll be heading straight toward Underneath the Sycamore Tree asap because I think I’ve found a new sad girl favorite.

This book will strip your emotions and knit them slowly back together.

Reminiscent of "Underneath the Sycamore Tree", the 'skeletons' in both ' Sawyer and Banks' pasts are ones that have never been left behind. Their journey back to each other unearths them.

Where this author's talent lies is in evoking strong emotions in her readers to the point you forgot that they are fictional characters, not real ones. Dawson was irritating but also necessary. Sawyer’s determination to live on her own terms was inspiring. Paxton’s misguided loyalty was heart wrenching.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley & B. Celeste for letting me read an ARC of this beautiful book!

“Somebody told me recently that we all have skeletons in our closets. I guess we just have to decide if those skeletons are worth sacrificing the people in our lives for.”

This book made me bawl my eyes out! It was written so beautifully and made me fall in love with Sawyer, Paxton & Dixie! Seeing how these characters came together. Especially at the end

B. Celeste's Past the Broken Bridges tells a moving story of love, resilience, and second chances. It follows Sawyer and Paxton, childhood friends separated by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Their bond, once so strong, is fractured as life pulls them in different directions.

Years later, Sawyer returns to Louisiana to attend college after surviving Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. As they navigate their shared past and present struggles, the story delves into themes of healing, forgiveness, and rediscovering lost connections. Their journey highlights the strength required to rebuild not just relationships, but oneself, in the aftermath of life's challenges.

The novel beautifully illustrates how bonds, even when tested, can mend and grow stronger in the face of adversity.

This is definitely a book you do not want to miss, as it seamlessly blends heartfelt emotions with a richly layered narrative that stays with you long after the final page. From the beautifully written characters of Sawyer and Paxton to the vivid and atmospheric setting of Louisiana, every aspect of this story captivates and pulls you in. B. Celeste's storytelling is an emotional journey—a testament to resilience, love, and the courage to rebuild after loss. Whether you're drawn to tales of personal growth, powerful relationships, or the healing power of hope, Past the Broken Bridges is a story that promises to leave an unforgettable mark on your heart and soul.

4 Stars

I liked this! I didn’t love it, but it was still really good. If there is one thing about a B. Celeste book is she is going to masterfully handle tough subjects, while weaving a beautiful romance throughout her books, and this book was no different.

this wasn’t the ending i was expecting nor was it what i wanted, but i really really enjoyed this book. it was gut wrenching for so many different reasons, but at the same time so uplifting. there were so many little bits and pieces that made me want to hug this book and these characters.

i’m an avid romance reader, as are a lot of people in this community, so i think it’s very important to note that this is not a romance book. yes there is a romantic element to it, there is romance involved, you will love the mmc, but it is not classified as a romance.

despite the heartbreak i got from this story, i absolutely adored the journey sawyer was able to take. watching her be able to live for the first time in her life was inspiring! and even though i wanted so much more, i was in love with her story!

and paxton. my lord, did he go through hell. i don’t think this man has ever had a break in his life. my heart was shattering for him 🥺

overall, i would definitely recommend this story. again, this isn’t your typical fluffy romance and i would check triggers before you crack it open, but i do hope you guys enjoy it when it releases 🫶🏻

I was super excited to get an ARC of B Celeste’s upcoming book, Past the Broken Bridges! This was the first book I read of hers, but she has been on my TBR for quite a while.

The FMC and MMC first met when they were little kids at a bridge that was close to where they lived. They became friends, but were soon separated once Hurricane Katrina came through.

The book picks up when both characters are in 21 and in college and they cross paths once again. They both have skeletons in their closet that they are unwilling to share with each other.

This story was incredibly well written and captured my interest from the very first word. I truly fell in love with the characters and was utterly devastated by the trials and tribulations they each went through. This book was so easy to give five stars to and I’m sure it will take up space in my mind for quite some time.

I highly encourage everyone to read this book! You will not be disappointed. Do make sure you have plenty of tissues ready though, because tears will be shed.

What to expect in Past the Broken Bridges:

- forced proximity
- neighbours to lovers
- childhood friends to strangers to lovers
- NA romance (set at college)
- cancer and addiction rep
- not a traditional romance (not a HEA)
- emotional and angsty tear-jerker

If you liked Under the Sycamore Tree by B. Celeste, you'll enjoy Past the Broken Bridges (even if it emotionally destroys you). It's a raw and real story of love, living life on your own terms, and loss, filled with secrets, swoon, and tears! I recommend checking trigger warnings at the book's beginning and diving in for the unforgettable journey.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to dry my eyes long enough after finishing this novel to be able to write this review on it, but here we are. I shall warn you now: plan on having a box of tissues at hand when reading this book.

'Past the Broken Bridges' is B. Celeste doing what B. Celeste does best: writing an unforgettable story of love, family, triumph, and tragedy. Sensitive readers, be sure to check out the list of trigger warnings at the beginning of the novel. I've seen some turmoil over what category to put this book into. In my opinion, 'Past the Broken Bridges' is a new adult novel that has elements of romance (and swoon worthy spice!) in it but also deals with serious topics and the story is not without a heavy dose of loss. When I was growing up, there was a popular author who wrote many stories of teens dealing with terminal illnesses - this book is the grown-up answer to those novels in all the best ways. It gave me a good dose of nostalgia when I likened this novel to ones that I had read voraciously as a young teen.

This book follows Sawyer, a twenty-one-year-old woman excited to leave the last five years of cancer treatments behind and finally start her life fresh at Louisiana State University. After abruptly departing the state due to Hurricane Katrina, Sawyer is excited to go back to the area that harbors some of her favorite childhood memories, including her friend Paxton. Once at LSU, Sawyer meets her new apartment neighbors, Dawson and Banks. Best friends for years, Dawson and Banks have made an agreement not to go after the same girl. Unfortunately, their new neighbor Sawyer is going to put that agreement to the test. What follows is a slow burn romance that will singe your eyebrows it's so hot that culminates in some spicy bedroom scenes (and for those I thank you!). This book isn't all romantic tension and young adult angst, however. There is some pretty heavy-handed foreshadowing that all may not be as it seems with Sawyer, and buddies Banks and Dawson are dealing with some tough issues as well. With all the foreshadowing, I assumed I knew how this book would end fairly early into the novel, and I could not have been more wrong. With a plot twist that I never saw coming, B. Celeste reconfirmed why she is one of my must buy authors.

The risk of having your heart broken at the end of this book is worth the reward of reading about Banks and his Birdie. Fans of B. Celeste's previous novel, Underneath the Sycamore Tree, will love this new book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom for providing me with an eARC of this book to read.

Any story that makes me sob to the point I can no longer see is worthy of 5 stars. This is a tragic story about a girl living for herself. Sawyer has been struck with so much heart ache in her short 21 years, and she is finally able to live her life for her.

Banks is just trying to navigate college and his tumultuous relationship with his father. He isn't expecting his new neighbor Sawyer to flip his world upside-down. He skirts along with his friend Dawson while making friends and some enemies along the way.

A list leads Sawyer to break out of her comfort zone and start living. She encounters friendship, love, loss, and healing, all while losing her own battles.

Thank you to the author and netgally for the early copy

Omg this was so heartbreaking 😭😭

Wow. This story is crushing! Pull this one out when you need to feel something.

We follow our FMC, Sawyer who has been battling cancer for a good chunk of her life. She's been through four rounds of chemo and just wants to feel like a normal girl and experience life instead of just fighting for it.

Sawyer spent her early childhood years in Louisiana, but her family was forced to leave after Katrina hit and she'd always dreamt of going back. After going into remission, she gets accepted to LSU and fully intends on living her best life...

This book explores themes of chronic illness, addiction, abuse, grief, and healing. Balancing heartbreaking moments with uplifting ones. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will stay with you long after the final page. We get to witness moments of selflessness and selfishness, making them all the more relatable.

It's a character driven story, which sometimes I struggle with a bit, but this was fantastic. I thought the characters were incredible. My favorite is definitely Banks. Oh, damn how I love him. He's so damn smart for a college guy lol. Caring and sweet. Just so strong despite all the horrors he's lived through. He just absolutely warmed my heart.

Sawyer is an absolutely amazing character as well. Such a compassionate and caring person. She sees herself as this selfish person who's always taking taking taking from those she loves, but it's the cancer. The cancer just takes and takes. She's such an empathetic and selfless person and my heart aches for her.

The story really gave me the feel of an earlier 2000's romance. I really have no idea why, but there was a sense of familiarity the entire time I was reading. That's a good thing lol it was such a comfortable story to sink into, despite the heavy subject matter.

The writing is beautiful, the dialogue between characters is sharp and natural. The story is vivid and captivating. Incredibly moving and poignant story.

I've gone back and forth on whether I want to give this 4 or 5 stars, because when I tell you I was just lying in my bed tears streaming down my face just sobbing. I think I'll settle on 4.5 stars for now.

Highly recommend for all my heart crushing, sob inducing, tear jerker loving besties!

💙Emotional Read
💙Forced Proximity
💙Neighbors to Lovers
💙Cancer Rep
💙Childhood Friends to Lovers
💙College Romance

Expected Release Date - 03/11/25

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

3.8 rounded to 4

I like the Author’s style of writing.. emotional and poignant.. real and raw..
Sawyer and Banks are an angsty-love story.. how they both goes to Collage and meet each other and somehow they are pulled back from past time memories…
How the characters fights different battles, and not to say the heart-wrenching last chapters ..
.
What to expect:
- childhood friends
- close proximity
- angsty
- college romance

Thanks to the Author, NetGalley and Publisher for this Arc, the opinions are on my own

The heroine has been battling cancer for the past five years, and when she starts getting better, she decides to return to Louisiana—the place where she spent her childhood and where she holds warm memories. She enrolls at a university there, makes new friends, and finds herself drawn to the sweet guy who lives next door.

This book moved me and captivated me from the very first pages. The portrayal of cancer (and more) is incredibly well done—so raw and honest that I felt every emotion alongside Sawyer and Banks. The characters are wonderful, and I also really loved the heroine’s family.

While the book has a romantic storyline, it doesn’t take center stage. This is also a story about choices, friendship, parent-child relationships, self-sacrifice for the sake of others, and the consequences that come with it.

I won’t lie—this book will break your heart and leave a lasting mark on your soul. But don’t let that stop you, because this emotional story is absolutely worth your attention.

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓ neighbors to lovers
✓ childhood friends
✓ forced proximity
✓ cancer rep
✓ emotional read

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I think I’m gonna pass on this one…

(*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc*)

. . . . .

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom books for the ARC

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all I haven’t read anything before by B. Celeste but this will for sure not be my only read by her! OMG the emotions! This book was so good it had me laughing, smiling and crying. Sawyer and Banks (Paxton) relationship spanned over a lifetime and it was beautiful to watch. The ending had been sobbing. I loved this book so much and highly recommend.